Storms roll through north Ga., kicking off the holiday weekend

Independence Day weekend is off to a wet start!

An initial line of very intense severe storms pushed through North Georgia through the morning hours, packing strong winds and very heavy rainfall.  At times, rainfall rates topped an extraordinary 3" per hour, which is why Flash Flood Watches and Warnings were issues for many areas. 

The Storm Prediction Center currently has a good swatch of Georgia under an "Enhanced Threat" for severe weather, meaning there's a chance to see some more very strong storms develop as the initial line of storms continues to push south and east of metro Atlanta -- these storms could also form what's called an "outflow boundary" -- something that sets up the potential for further storms to develop this afternoon. 

The biggest threat today are storms packing winds of 60+ mph -- and also more heavy rain. 

Highs today will be a bit cooler thanks to the rain and clouds, climbing up to the middle 80s.  Lows will cool to around 70 tonight, with a continued chance for storms.

PEACHTREE ROAD RACE COULD BE WET...

This is nothing new -- we're looking at a chance for some rain during the Peachtree Road Race.  As of now, it looks like we could see some showers, but hopefully not a big, pouring rain -- still, runners should expect to get a little wet and spectators should taken along something to keep them dry. Temperatures in the morning hours will hang in the lower 70s, then climb to the middle 80s again in the afternoon.  The chance for some thunderstorms continues into the afternoon and evening, which could mean a little trouble for fireworks shows.  Right now, it doesn't look like a washout, and the severe storms threat is lower for Saturday.  Still, keep your eye on the forecast during the day on Saturday, so you're not unprepared for the possibility of wet weather.